A walk through Wednesday
[NATIONAL]
India an essential partner for the US in QUAD says Biden administration
The US State Department Spokesperson said that India is an essential partner for the US in the QUAD in realizing the shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
UK PM Boris Johnson speaks to PM Modi on Russia-Ukraine conflict
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tue and discussed the “grave situation” as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “disastrous” actions. Johnson called on India to work with the UK to intensify efforts to promote peace and de-escalation in the region, and both leaders are said to have agreed that respect for international law was the only way forward. PM Modi is said to have updated his UK counterpart on India’s support for the humanitarian situation in Ukraine during the call, while Johnson told him that “the UK and India should intensify efforts to promote peace and de-escalation in the region”. Regarding bilateral relations, the PMs said they are both looking forward to meeting in person “at the earliest opportunity”. Meanwhile, the Department for International Trade (DIT) confirmed that the second round of India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations concluded last week.
State Visit of the President of India to Turkmenistan and the Netherlands (Apr 1-7, 2022)
At the invitation of the President, President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind will pay a State visit to Turkmenistan from April 1-4, 2022. This will be the first-ever visit of the Indian President to independent Turkmenistan. the President will meet the new President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to discuss various issues of bilateral and regional cooperation, including implementation of the outcomes of the India-Central Asia Summit held in Jan 2022. Some agreements / MoUs are also expected to be signed during the visit. The Netherlands is also an important economic and commercial partner of India with the country being India’s 4th largest FDI source. It also hosts the largest Indian diaspora in continental Europe.
Foreign secy Shringla in the US ahead of UNGA meet
India has so far refrained from publicly criticizing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and is facing growing pressure from Washington and other Western powers to change its stance.
Sri Lanka’s economic crisis forces people to flee to Tamil Nadu
The soaring cost of essentials like bread and milk and 2 km-long queues for fuel has driven panic-stricken Tamil families to take illegal ferries out of Sri Lanka to India. 16 refugees, including 8 children, were rescued by the Indian Coast Guard from an islet near Rameswaram and the Dhanushkodi jetty in southern Tamil Nadu.
The geographical spread of Naxal violence reduced to 46 districts in 2021, MHA tells RS
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wed informed the Rajya Sabha that the geographical spread of Naxal violence has reduced to 46 districts in 2021 as compared to 96 districts in 2010.
Centre revokes Disaster Management Act for Covid containment measures
The ministry of home affairs revoked the provisions of the Disaster Management Act for coronavirus disease (Covid-19) containment measures given “overall improvement in the situation and preparedness of the government” to deal with the pandemic.
IAF officer probing the accidental missile-firing incident, prima facie fingers pointed at Group Captain
ANI-An Air Vice Marshal from the Air Force headquarters is carrying out a detailed investigation into the accidental firing of the tactical BrahMos supersonic cruise missile which landed in Pakistan on Mar 9th. (sources)- the detailed probe by the Air Force officer (equivalent to Maj Gen) is still going on but prima facie, a Group Captain-rank officer is being seen as blameworthy. The officer was in charge of the mobile command post of the missile system when the accidental firing happened during a Command Air Staff Inspection at its home base. The AVM probing the incident is highly qualified and is in charge of operations in the Air Force headquarters. Making it clear that the Indian missile system is extremely trustworthy and secure, the Defence Minister had stated that Indian armed forces are experienced in handling such systems. Pakistan has been trying to rake up the issue of accidental missile firing at the international stage without realizing that the BrahMos missile is just a tactical system and was unarmed at the time of the incident.
[ NEIGHBORHOOD ]
Pakistan Air Force aircraft crashes near Peshawar, killing 2 pilots; probe ordered
A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) trainer aircraft crashed on Tue while on a training mission in the country’s northwest, killing the two pilots on board, the air force said. No loss of life or property was reported on the ground. A board of inquiry has been ordered by the Air Headquarters to determine the cause of the incident. Pakistan’s armed forces have suffered several air accidents in recent years. A crash killed a female jet pilot in another training exercise in Nov 2015. In May 2015, a military helicopter carrying diplomats to inspect a tourism project crashed, killing 7 people, including the ambassadors of Norway and the Philippines. Another military helicopter being used as an air ambulance crashed in August 2015 near the northern district of Mansehra, killing 12 people.
Pakistan Day: Armed forces show off military might as OIC officials watch
As the country celebrates Pakistan Day on Wed, the armed forces displayed their might in the annual military parade in Islamabad while dignitaries participating in the 48th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) watched as guests of honor.Pakistan openly displays portraits of Islamist militant, Burhan Wani, and radical Islamist separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani during the Pakistan Day parade. Both have been accused of killing innocent Kashmiri Muslims in their lives and fooling the masses. Pakistan Day observes the passing of the Lahore Resolution on Mar 23, 1940, when the All-India Muslim League demanded a separate nation for the Muslims of the British Indian Empire.
IMF asks for changes to personal income tax
A staff mission of the IMF held a first round of discussions with tax officials last week and raised the issue of reforms in the PIT to raise maximum revenue, especially from salary incomes. At a time when the economy is grappling with political uncertainty, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reiterated its earlier demand asking Islamabad for changes in personal income tax (PIT).Last year, the government did not accept the
What happened in Balochistan, stayed in Balochistan
In Feb, two camps of Pakistan’s Frontier Corps (FC) in the Balochistan region were attacked by Baloch insurgent groups. While the group made claims of inflicting major damages, the Pakistan government and army presented a watered-down version of the incident.
UN decries Taliban’s decision to extend school ban for girls
The United Nations on Wed condemned reports that the Taliban extended their indefinite ban on allowing female students above the 6th-grade access to schools. The decision of the Taliban came hours after Afghan girls were allowed to return to high schools from Wed. Media reports said that girl students above the 6th grade were not to be allowed to enter the classrooms at the beginning of the new school year. “The UN in Afghanistan deplores today’s reported announcement by the Taliban that they are further extending their indefinite ban on female students above the 6th grade being permitted to return school,” the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said in a tweet.
US-Philippines to hold biggest military drills in decades as China tensions grow
The US and Philippines will hold their biggest military drills in three decades as tensions grow with China, injecting new life into a defense alliance that had languished in recent years. Some 5100 American and 3,800 Philippine military members will train in the Southeast Asian nation from Mar 28 to Apr 8, the US Embassy in Manila said in a statement. They will conduct drills on maritime security, counterterrorism, and disaster relief in the largest ever iteration of Balikatan, the most prominent military exercise between the nations dating back to 1991.
Beijing threatens reciprocal sanctions after the US unveils visa curbs on Chinese officials
China has threatened the US with retaliatory sanctions after Washington announced visa restrictions on officials over human rights violations in the country. The US has imposed visa restrictions on Chinese officials for their role in the repression of ethnic and religious minority groups inside and outside China. At a press conference on Tue, a Chinese Foreign Ministry accused the US of “ideological bias“. He said, “The US is in no position to pass judgment.” FM urged the US to “earnestly reflect upon and rectify its violations“. On Tue, the US State Department had said that it is barring those Chinese officials from traveling to the US due to their involvement in crackdowns on freedom of speech and religion in China and abroad.
Taiwan looks at extending compulsory military service beyond 4 months
Taiwan is considering extending compulsory military service beyond the current 4 months, Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said on Wed, as the war in Ukraine renewed a discussion about how best to respond to Beijing’s military threats. Taiwan has been gradually shifting from a conscript military to a volunteer-dominated professional force, but Beijing’s growing pressure against the island it claims as its own, as well as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, have prompted debate about how to boost civil defense. Answering lawmakers’ questions in parliament, Chiu said proposals to extend military service were still under consideration, and that there would “definitely” be a plan put forward this year.
Big blow to Imran Khan ahead of the no-trust vote, 3 major allies decide to join the opposition
In a big blow to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan ahead of the no-confidence vote, 3 major allies, Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan, Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid, and Balochistan Awami Party of the ruling govt have decided to join the opposition, Geo News reported citing sources. The sources said that all 3 allies of the ruling govt will soon (till Mar 25th) announce it. Mr. Khan’s party is facing an internal revolt, with several lawmakers deserting the PTI and joining the opposition ranks. Earlier, around 24 lawmakers announced to vote in favor of the no-trust move and dissociated themselves from the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) govt. The Opposition parties in Pakistan had submitted the no-trust motion in the National Assembly secretariat on March 8. While the govt has exuded confidence to defeat the no-trust motion, the Opposition is sure that they will oust Khan. Notably, in the 342-member NA, the Khan govt requires at least 172 members to sail through the no-confidence vote.
Pakistan wishes to resolve outstanding issues with neighbors including India
Pakistan on Wed said it wishes to have mutually beneficial relations with all its neighbors including India and resolve all outstanding disputes. Pakistan Charge d’Affaires in New Delhi, Aftab Hassan Khan stressed that it is essential to resolve the core issue of J&K for lasting peace and stability in the region. India has on several occasions said that it desires normal neighborly relations with Pakistan. India’s consistent position is that issues between the two should be resolved bilaterally and peacefully, in an atmosphere free of terror and violence. New Delhi has maintained that the onus is on Pakistan to create such a conducive environment. Pakistan continues to sponsor cross-border terrorism against India; restrict normal trade, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges; and engage in hostile and fabricated propaganda to vilify India, according to the Ministry of External Affairs annual report. Last year, both countries had renewed ceasefire understanding between Director Generals of Military Operations.
India an essential partner for the US in QUAD says Biden administration
“This is a bilateral relationship that has deepened in many ways over the past 25 years or so. This has also happened on a bipartisan basis,” State Department Spokesperson Ned Price told reporters at his daily news conference on Tue.
- India is an essential partner for the US in the QUAD in realizing the shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, Price has said.
- India, the US, and several other states have been talking about the need to ensure a free, open, and thriving Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of China’s rising military maneuvering in the region.
- China claims nearly all of the disputed South China Sea, though Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam all claim parts of it.
- Beijing has built artificial islands and military installations in the South China Sea.
Yesterday only, the Chinese Foreign Ministry claimed “necessary national defense facilities on its territory is a right entitled to every sovereign country and is in line with international law, which is beyond reproach,” regarding artificial islands they developed in the South China Sea.
“… this bilateral relationship between the US and India evolve and change for the better and deepens in many ways, including in our defense and security relationship,” he said.
“We are a partner of India when it comes to shared interests when it comes to the values we share in a free and open Indo-Pacific. … So historical relationships notwithstanding, we are a partner of choice for India now, as are many of our partners and allies around the world,” Price said in response to a question.
- India, he said, had a historic defense and security relationship with Russia over time.
- Price refrained from making any answer on potential CAATSA sanctions on India.
- “.. we know that India is an essential partner for us in realizing our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” he said.
- “That is really at the heart of the Quad’s goals,” Price said.
“During these engagements, the Secretary and the President respectively reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific in which the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states are respected, and countries are free from military, economic, and political coercion,” he said.
- In Nov 2017, the Quad developed a new strategy to keep the critical sea routes in the Indo-Pacific free of any influence, amid China’s growing military presence in the strategic region.
- China, which has territorial disputes with many countries in the strategic Indo-Pacific region, has been opposing the Quad alliance since its formation.
Comment: The US will keep India in the close circle to assure free Indo-Pacific which is responsible for the maximum trade through it, which was realized in 2016, and then US President Trump has taken the serious initiative in this direction. Therefore, it seems highly unlikely that ‘potential’ CAATSA will be imposed by the US. However, to keep the UK in the loop and decrease dependency on India, the US formed another group AUKUS, with Australia and UK.
Foreign secretary Shringla in the US ahead of UNGA meet
Foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has embarked on an unannounced visit to New York ahead of a crucial special emergency session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wed that will take up a draft resolution seeking condemnation of Russia’s offensive against Ukraine. India’s permanent representative to the UN, TS Tirumurti, tweeted about Shringla’s arrival in New York on Wed.
- India is currently a non-permanent member of the UNSC and Shringla participated in another session of the body on Afghanistan last year.
- However, he arrived in the US just hours before the UNGA takes up two rival draft resolutions on the situation in Ukraine.
- New Delhi, which has so far refrained from publicly criticizing Russia’s invasion, is facing growing pressure from NATO to change its stance on the conflict.
- India has repeatedly called for an immediate end to the hostilities and a return to the path of dialogue.
- It has also stressed respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states.
- A French-Mexican draft resolution, which is backed by 60+ countries, to be considered on Wed by the 193-member UNGA reiterates the world body’s Mar 2nd demand.
- It also deplores the “dire humanitarian consequences” of Russia’s hostilities against Ukraine, including the besiegement and shelling of densely populated cities.
The rival South African draft resolution makes no mention of Russia and instead calls for “an immediate cessation of hostilities”, and encourages “all parties” to return to “political dialogue, negotiations, mediation and other peaceful means aimed at achieving lasting peace”.
- Shringla’s presence in New York is significant given the growing pressure on India to alter its position on the Ukraine crisis.
- On Mon, US President Joe Biden said that with the “possible exception of India”, the world has mounted a “united front” through NATO and the Quad, on the Russian aggression.
- Biden also said that within the Quad, India has been “somewhat shaky” on the issue.
- Later, US undersecretary for political affairs Victoria Nuland was in New Delhi for official talks with Shringla.
She said in an interview with NDTV, “it was important for democracies to stand together at a time when “autocracies like Russia [and] China are showing what a level of threat they can be to peace and security”.
- Pressure on India has also increased from Western partners such as France and Germany.
- India has so far abstained from all Ukraine-related resolutions at UN bodies.
- The Mar 2nd resolution on the aggression against Ukraine was adopted by the UNGA by a vote of 141-5, with 35 abstentions.
- India and South Africa were among the countries that abstained.
‘Why is US President Biden silent on China border aggression?’
US president Joe Biden’s description of India’s response to Russia vis-a-vis Ukraine as “shaky” received pushback from Indian analysts, some of whom have been pointing out that the US and its European allies continue energy purchases from Russia (by one account, up to $600 million/day), while bearing down on India. Others pointed to a lack of US concern over China’s ingress into India.
The geographical spread of Naxal violence reduced to 46 districts in 2021, MHA tells RS
ANI – Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wed informed the Rajya Sabha that the geographical spread of Naxal violence has reduced to 46 districts in 2021 as compared to 96 districts in 2010. Sharing the details in a written reply, the Minister of State, MHA Nityanand Rai said the decline in the geographical spread is also reflected in the reduced number of districts covered under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme.
The number of SRE districts was reduced from 126 to 90 in April 2018 and further to 70 in July 2021.
MoS- the number of districts contributing approximately 90% of the Left Wing Extremism (LWE), categorized as most LWE affected districts, came down to 25 (in 2021) from 35 (2018).
- The steadfast implementation of the National Policy and Action Plan to address LWE- 2015 has also resulted in a consistent decline in violence which has reduced by 77% from an all-time high of 2,258 in 2009 to 509 in 2021.
- Similarly, the resultant deaths have reduced by 85% from the all-time high of 1,005 in 2010 to 147 in 2021.
- A total of 50 security personnel were killed in LWE incidents in 2021 followed by 43 in 2020 and 52 in 2019.
- Only 1 security trooper was killed in Bihar in 2019 between 2019 and 2021.
- Similarly, one security man was killed in LWE incidents in Telangana in 2020 between 2019 and 2021.
- However, 3 security personnel were killed in Odisha– one in 2019 and two in 2020– between 2019 and 2021.
- A maximum of 45 security personnel were killed in LWE incidents in Chhattisgarh in 2021 followed by 36 in 2020 and 22 in 2019.
- Maharashtra and Jharkhand witnessed a sharp decline (16-2019 to 3 in 2021) in LWE incidents and not a single security personnel was killed in such incidents in the state in 2021.
- In Jharkhand, 5 security personnel were killed in 2021 against 12 in 2019.
- To address the LWE menace holistically, the Minister said, a National Policy and Action Plan was launched in 2015 to address LWE.
On the security front, the Central govt supports the LWE affected state govts by providing Central Armed Police Forces battalions, helicopters, training, funds for modernisation of State police forces, arms and equipment, sharing of intelligence and construction of Fortified Police Stations, said the Minister. (1)
[ NEIGHBORHOOD ]
What happened in Balochistan, stayed in Balochistan
IT-Having a precarious track record with public acknowledgment of its losses and a proven history of military coups over several decades, the Pakistan armed forces may have once again underreported one of the worst attacks it suffered earlier this year.
On Feb 2, two camps of Pakistan’s Frontier Corps (FC) in the Balochistan region were attacked by insurgent groups.
While the Baloch insurgent group Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) made claims of inflicting major damage, the Pakistan army presented a bland version of the incident.
BLA claims -inflicting causalities as high as 195, a complete breach of the FC camps, and occupation of the secure FC facilities lasting almost 72 hours.
The Pakistan army and civil leadership refuted these claims, with the media wing of the army asserting that the attacks were ‘foiled’.
Pakistan army – “During intense exchange of fire 1 soldier has been martyred, terrorists have fled while their casualties are being ascertained“, the initial statement released by the army’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
- Within 24 hours of the attacks, the PM of Pakistan also announced that the attackers were repulsed from both locations.
- Later ISPR reiterated that both the attacks were “repulsed successfully by the prompt response from troops” resulting in the killing of 20 insurgents and the loss of 9 security personnel.
- Reporters were not allowed to report from the location for several days and internet services were blocked in the area by the authorities.
Visuals (India Today TV)- the BLA’s claims of breaching the FC camps and inflicting substantial damage could be true.
BLA recently released a video film explaining how it conducted the coordinated attacks on two well-protected FC camps, codenamed—Operation Ganjal.
Visual investigation finds several BLA claims consistent with the available visual evidence, although accurate assessment of causalities was not feasible via limited open-source data.
A satellite image of Panjgur collected on Feb 10, shows multiple damages consistent with BLA’s claims.
BLA in its video said that the assault at Panjgur FC camp began with one of its members named Jamal Baloch detonating his Vehicle Borne IED (VBIED) in a suicide attack at the south entrance that killed nearly 20 FC personnel.
The satellite picture taken 8 days after the incident shows the south gate cleared off the gates and trees.
According to the publicly released material circulated by the outlawed separatist outfit, another of its team managed to breach the security through the west entrance that “intercepted the (Pakistani) response team”.
A quick study of this area shows a structure akin to a large storage facility completely demolished. The area of the demolished facility is approximately 2,000 square feet. At the sight, a yellow excavator is seen, indicating ongoing work on February 10.
BLA’s next claim in the recently released multimedia is about a fierce fight at 11 pm in the center of the FC camp, Panjgur, where suicide bombers of its ‘Majeed Brigade’ allegedly clashed with a large number of Pakistani troops near a building complex.
According to BLA, 2 of their suicide operatives were killed before they killed several Pakistani personnel and the remaining operatives took refuge in the nearby complex for the next few days.
Scrutiny of recent satellite imagery confirms visible changes to the complex in question.
The general parking near the south entrance is seen filled with debris and dump, likely from the repair and demolition work in these complexes.
NAUSHKI ATTACK
- Another FC camp that witnessed a similar attack, an hour prior, is situated at Naushki, Balochistan.
- The commercial image available for investigation was collected 12 days after the first reports of the attack arrived.
- However, Feb 14 image still has sufficient attributes to verify the veracity of the pattern of the attack, allegedly claimed by BLA.
- The BLA video shows 9 separatists equipped with M16 rifles, M32 grenade launchers, and RPG-7 rocket-propelled grenades.
- The asserted mode of entry was through a single-point breach at the south entrance, caused by a suicide VBIED.
- Visual examination of the imagery shows significant damage at the south entrance and nearby areas.
- The explosion reported at the entrance purportedly used C-4 explosives.
- While the entrance gate is seen completely damaged with temporary roadblocks in effect, a nearby building structure is also seen missing in the new imagery.
- Unlike the Panjgur clashes, BLA claimed that operation at this location only lasted for 16 hours.
- Consistent with these claims, major visible damages are seen at and near the south gate.