[NEWS OF THE DAY]

SCO: On Ukraine, India has been invoking UN Charter but no mention in joint declaration

Delhi signed off on the Samarkand declaration of the SCO summit which omitted reference to the “UN Charter” while underlining “mutual respect for sovereignty” and “territorial integrity of States”. Unlike last year’s SCO declaration in Dushanbe which had called for adhering to the “goals and objectives of the UN Charter”, there was no such mention this time. This is a departure from India’s position in the last seven months since the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Feb 24. Over the last 7 months, India has always invoked the UN Charter, while advocating “respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states” in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine. The Samarkand declaration advocated “commitment to peaceful settlement of differences and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultation” – a diplomatic language similar to the one used by India. Its omission of the 2021 emphasis on the “rejection of unilateral military superiority in adjoining areas” stood out given the Russian military actions in Ukraine. These omissions are also glaring in the wake of China’s aggressive posturing over Taiwan and in the South China Sea. “The Member States advocate respect for the right of peoples to independently and democratically choose their political and socio-economic development, and stress that the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity of States, equality, mutual benefit, non-interference in internal affairs, and non-use or threat of use of force are the basis for sustainable development of international relations,” a 121 points Samarkand declaration read. On China’s ambitious One Belt One Road initiative, India stayed away — just like last year. (here)

A day before CGTN shared a map of SCO members, showing Arunachal Pradesh and some parts of Laddakh as part of the Chinese Territory, Under the title Xi Jinping: SCO becomes important force for promoting global development – CGTN, which is not opening today (Mon) but the image still exists on Google. (Link)

‘Today’s era not of war,’ Modi’s advice to Putin grabs headlines in the west

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s advice to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the Ukraine war during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s summit in Uzbekistan’s Samarkand has grabbed the attention of leading international media organizations. “Today’s era is not of war and I have spoken to you about it on the call. Today we will get the opportunity to talk about how we can progress on the path of peace. India and Russia have stayed together with each other for several decades,” PM Modi told Putin expressing his concerns about the impact of the war on food and energy security. International media praised PM Modi’s diplomatic acumen, who in a friendly tone pushed the concerns of the global community to its long-standing friend Russia. American publication -CNN praised PM Modi’s hold on world politics and reported ” Indian leader Narendra Modi tells Putin: Now is not the time for war.” While another US publication Washington Post headline was “Modi rebukes Putin over the war in Ukraine”. “India’s Leader Tells Putin That Now Is Not an Era for War,” The New York Times said in its headline. Meanwhile, the leading Japanese publication, NHK’s headline was “Indian PM Modi tells Putin to pursue peace”, while Hong Kong-based leading daily South China Morning Post reported: Now is ‘not a time for war’, India’s Modi tells Russia’s Putin who vows to ‘end this as soon as possible.’ The statements were made by PM Modi during a face-to-face meeting on Friday, on the sidelines of a regional summit, and highlighted Russia’s increasing isolation on the diplomatic stage. They came just a day after Putin conceded that China had “questions and concerns” over the invasion. Responding to PM Modi, President Putin said that he knows about India’s position on the Ukraine conflict and “we want all of this to end as soon as possible”. “I know about your position on the Ukraine conflict. I know about your concerns. We want all of this to end as soon as possible,” Putin said. (here)

Jaishankar arrives in New York for UNGA high-level meet

External affairs minister S Jaishankar will represent India at the upcoming 77^th session UNGA (Sept 18-24) session and participate in ministerial meetings of the Brics and Quad groupings in New York later this month from Sept 18 to 28, the external affairs ministry said on Sat. The theme for the session is “A watershed moment: Transformative solutions to interlocking challenges”. Jaishankar’s address the session is scheduled for the forenoon of Sept 24. In New York, Jaishankar will also participate in plurilateral meetings of the Quad, which includes Australia, Japan, and the US, and Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa (BRICS). He will join 3 key trilateral meetings – one with his counterparts from France and Australia, another with his counterparts from France and the UAE, and yet another with his counterparts from France and Indonesia. This will be the 1^st ministerial meeting of the India-France-UAE mechanism. He will also participate in meetings of the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) grouping, India-Presidency Pro Tempore CELAC, and India-CARICOM. He will also have bilateral meetings with foreign ministers of the G20 and UNSC member states. The L.69 Group consists of developing countries from Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and small island developing states that are focused on reforming the UNSC. Jaishankar will also meet UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Korosi. After UNGA, he will visit Washington during Sept 25-28 for bilateral meetings with American interlocutors. (here)

UK: Total arrests reach 15 in East Leicester violence

The count of people arrested in East Leicester violence has reached 15 after a clash broke out among groups of young men on Sun, the Leicestershire Police said in a statement. The cycle of violence was triggered on Aug 28 after India won the Asia Cup T20 match against Pakistan. This comes after various videos and reports have been circulating on social media about Pakistani organized gangs seen vandalizing and terrorizing Hindus in Leicester City. The incident follows a spate of violence and disorder in the eastern part of the city. After the reports of the clash on Sat night, the city Police Temporary Chief Constable Rob Nixon, in a video message shared on the Twitter handle, said, “We have had numerous reports of a disorder on the streets of Leicester tonight, Sat, Sept 17. We have got officers there, we are taking control of the situation, there are additional officers en route, and dispersal powers, stop search powers, have been authorized. Please do not get involved. We are calling for calm.” (here) Indian High Commission in the UK condemns the “violence perpetrated against Indian community in Leicester & vandalization of premises & symbols of Hindu religion”.

[NATIONAL]

Rajnath Singh begins 3-day visit to Egypt on Sunday, potential Tejas deal on focus

India and Egypt will ink an agreement to expand defense and security cooperation during Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s 3-day visit to the begun on Sun. The defense ministry said Singh’s visit is aimed at further consolidating defense cooperation and the “special friendship” between India and Egypt. Singh’s trip to Egypt comes nearly two-and-half months after Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhary, visited the country to enhance cooperation between the two air forces. Egypt has also evinced interest in procurement of India’s Tejas aircraft. The defense ministry said the two ministers will review the bilateral defense ties, explore new initiatives to intensify military-to-military engagements, and focus on deepening cooperation between the defense industries of the two countries. “An MoU to provide further impetus to enhanced defense cooperation between India and Egypt will also be signed,” it said in a statement. Singh will also call on Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. The defense and security ties between India and Egypt have been on an upswing in the last few years. (here)

U.S. Secretary of State, Defence Secretary to visit India in Feb-March 2023

The U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, and Lloyd Austin, the defense secretary, will be in New Delhi in Feb or Mar next year for the next round of dialogue with their counterparts: external affairs minister S. Jaishankar and defense minister Rajnath Singh. The decision to have the meeting early next year was taken at the “intersessional” 2+2 meeting earlier this month. Officials are talking about the decision to have a “spring meeting.” While the 2+2 is at the ministerial level, the intersessional meeting, roughly halfway between the big meetings is at the level of joint/additional secretaries from the Indian side and assistant secretaries of the American govt. One of the issues that could be on the agenda is the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) for Geo-Spatial Cooperation. While the basic agreement has been signed, the different annexures have to be agreed upon. These are “technical” issues and after the agreements are made, they will be presented to the four leaders. The international and regional situations will be under discussion. This means the war in Ukraine, China, Taiwan, and terrorism, particularly relating to Pakistan and Afghanistan. (here)

Infiltrated farmers’ stir, Agniveer protests: Maoist document

The banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) has released a plan for its supporters to spread their influence in urban centers across the country ‘with open and secret organizations infiltrating and inciting agitations and mass revolutions against the govt’. In the same context, the group claims to have successfully infiltrated the farmers’ agitation at Delhi, which forced the govt to roll back three farm laws. The Maoists have also urged units in rural and urban sectors to celebrate the 18^th anniversary of the party with zeal between Sept 21 and 27. The 21-page document is titled ‘A message from the central committee (CC) of the CPI (Maoist) to the ranks of the party, revolutionary people’s organs and revolutionary people, on the occasion of the 18th anniversary of the party’. The reds have urged their members, sympathizers, associates, supporters, and mass-based open and secret committees and organizations to implement the guidelines of their apex body to guide, provoke and infiltrate ‘spate of people’s movement’ across the country. (here)

Germany may not bid for Navy’s P75I submarine project, leaves S Korean firm as only vendor

The Navy’s plan to build 6 conventional submarines in India for an estimated Rs 43,000 crore is heading for troubled waters, with one of the prime foreign technology partners saying that it may not proceed with the negotiations as it finds some of the tender requirements too restrictive. If the German group does not change its stand, the mega project could be heading for a single foreign vendor situation with South Korea’s Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering as the only contender by Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), which was considered as the frontrunner for the mega project, has raised concerns that some conditions are impossible to be fulfilled, including a high indigenous content percentage and almost unlimited liability on the foreign technology partner. ET (sources) reported that among the concerns raised was the indigenization content, which has been set at 45% for the first boat and 60% for the 6^th boat. A major point also raised was that the current conditions impose almost unlimited liability on the performance of the submarines on the foreign collaborator, though the boats are to be built at an Indian yard. (here)

Indian citizens duped on pretext of jobs, illegally brought to Myanmar: MEA sources

Over 60 Indian nationals were duped by an international racket and were illegally brought into Myanmar, ANI reported citing sources. As per the sources, the racket in Myanmar’s Myawaddy was reportedly exploiting Indian citizens with offers of jobs in Thailand but they were brought illegally into Myanmar. Myawaddy, a town in southeastern Myanmar, is not fully under the control of the Govt. The Ethnic armed groups are holding sway and the Indian and several other foreign citizens are being held by them. The Embassy has rescued over 30 Indian citizens trapped in the Myawaddy and continues all efforts to get the others out as early as possible. The embassy has been working closely with the Govt of Myanmar for their rescue. There are other efforts for rescuing citizens through various contacts among the business community, given that the area is not entirely under the control of the local authorities. (here)

Canadian govt refuses to act against Khalistan Referendum

The Canadian government has refused to prevent Sikhs from expressing their views through the Khalistan referendum, calling it a peaceful and democratic process within Canadian law. While the referendum has started, Sikh Community is exercising voting rights as ‘Khalistan Referendum’ is held in Toronto on Sunday. There were long queues to vote in the referendum, in this regard there is great excitement in the Sikh community. (The Tribune, Jasarat, Daily Express, Ummat, Nawaiwaqt, Daily Jinnah) [Mostly in Pak media]

Crude bomb blast in Bengal school: Four arrested, 10 bombs recovered

A day after a crude bomb went off on the roof of a 3-storeyed boys’ school building in the Titagarh area of West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district, the police have arrested 4 people in connection with the case. According to CP Barrackpore, the bomb was hurled because of personal enmity between the accused and some students of the school. One of the accused belongs to the same school and 1 is a former student, said the police. The police also said 10 crude bombs have also been recovered from the residence of one of the accused. On Saturday around 11 am, a crude bomb went off on the roof of the school when around 1,000 of the total 1,300 students of the Titagarh Free India High School were attending classes on the lower floors. No one was injured since the door to the roof has always been locked and the area is out of bounds for the students, one of the teachers told the media. (here)

IAF’s ‘Project Cheetah’ for weaponizing Israeli drones to be awarded to Indian firms

With all major import deals being either put on hold or scrapped by the Narendra Modi govt, the Indian Air Force is now planning to go ahead with its Project Cheetah under the Make in India route where Indian defense manufacturers would arm the Israeli Heron drones with strike capabilities. Under the ambitious Project Cheetah, the Indian Air Force wants to upgrade its existing fleet of Israeli-origin Heron unmanned aerial vehicles with better communication facilities and missiles which can target enemy positions from long range. As per plans, the project was to be completed with Israeli weapon manufacturers. The IAF is the main lead in the project under which the Israeli drones in the Navy and the Army are also planned to be upgraded with strike capabilities and better surveillance and reconnaissance pods. The tri-services for a long time have depended upon IAF Israeli-made Searcher II and Heron UAVs for reconnaissance and snooping purposes. With the upgrade in snooping capabilities, the forces on the ground would also be able to get pinpoint intelligence about hideouts in areas where men have to be involved in operations. (here)

Controversial Video Reveals SFJ Using Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib For Anti-India Activities

Some Khalistan elements attempted to use the Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan for anti-India activities when the pro-Khalistani group banned in India, Sikh For Justice (SFJ) released a video of ‘Ardas’ (prayers) being done for the success of the Khalistan referendum voting. SFJ terrorist Paramjit Pamma had requested ‘Ardas’ at Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib for the success of Khalistan referendum voting in Canada starting from Sept 18. The banned pro-Khalistani group released the video of prayers being done at the Sikh holy site in Pakistan. It is pertinent to mention that India had already raised their concern about Khalistani propaganda at Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara way back in 2019. Earlier, in January 2022, SFJ general counsel Gurpatwant Singh Pannun had urged then Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to support the ‘Khalistan Referendum. The SFJ had said that it has written to Khan to “diplomatically intervene” to support the Khalistan Referendum. It is significant to mention that there have been notable incidents in the recent past where both SFJ and Khalistani separatists harbored by Pakistan have been accused to have played a part in nefarious activities in India. (here)

India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable in Delhi to boost economic cooperation

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Sat took part in a Ministerial Roundtable with their Singapore counterparts here and discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries in emerging and futuristic areas. Finance Minister said in a tweet that both sides deliberated upon several issues including financial sector operations, fintech, regulatory cooperation, and investment opportunities. This was the maiden meeting of the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR), a new ministerial platform between the two countries to boost economic cooperation. The ISMR seeks to deepen existing cooperation and identify opportunities for mutually-beneficial collaboration in new and emerging areas. Singapore delegation at the ISMR was led by the country’s Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who is also Minister for Finance. Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong, and Transport and Trade relations Minister S Iswaran were part of the Singapore delegation. Jaishankar said there was a freewheeling discussion on the possibilities and prospects of our ties in the coming decade. Wong is in India from Sept 17 to 21, his first official visit to India after holding office. He will travel to Gujarat on Sept 18, 2022, where he will meet Gujarat Chief Minister and visit Gujarat International Finance City. He will be accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Finance. (here)

Blackstone CEO sees opportunities to expand in India and Japan

Blackstone Group, the largest investment fund in the world, is eyeing investment opportunities in logistics and technology sectors in India, chief executive Stephen Schwarzman told Nikkei. In Japan, the company will focus on exploring more ways to engage retail investors. The CEO spoke of his confidence in sustaining the company’s growth, despite having a skeptical view of the economic climate and the market. (here)

[NEIGHBORHOOD]

Taiwan ‘specially invited’ to sign Queen’s condolence book

Taiwan’s de facto ambassador, Kelly Wu-Chiao Hsieh in London received a special invitation to sign the book of condolence for the Queen, the island’s foreign ministry said on Sun, adding he was given the same treatment as other dignitaries. Britain, like most countries, has no diplomatic ties with Chinese-claimed Taiwan though they have close unofficial ones. Democratically governed Taiwan is largely excluded from most international events and bodies due to Beijing’s objections. China is sending vice president Wang Qishan to Mon’s state funeral in London, but some parliamentarians have raised concerns about the invitation from China after several British lawmakers were sanctioned by Beijing for criticizing alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang. China denies any such abuses. Britain is inviting a representative from N Korea, but Afghanistan, Syria, and Venezuela will not be given an invitation, while Russia, Myanmar, and Belarus have also not been asked to attend.

Biden says US would defend Taiwan if China launches an ‘unprecedented attack’

President Joe Biden said this week that the US would defend Taiwan if China invaded, appearing to break with the US govt’s stance of “strategic ambiguity” on the island. His comments came in an interview that aired Sun evening when a 60 Minutes correspondent asked the president if US forces would defend Taiwan. “Yes, if in fact there was an unprecedented attack,” Biden responded. The president went on to emphasize his administration’s support for the “One China” policy, which recognizes the govt in Beijing while allowing for informal ties with Taiwan. “Taiwan makes their own judgments about their independence. We are not moving – we’re not encouraging their being independent. We’re not – that – that’s their decision,” Biden said Sun. (here)

China complains after Biden says US forces would defend Taiwan in a Chinese invasion

The Chinese foreign ministry said on Mon that China has lodged “stern representations” with the United States after US President Joe Biden said US forces would defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion. China reserves the right to take all necessary measures in response to activities that split the nation apart, said Mao Ning, spokesperson at the foreign ministry, at a regular media briefing. “We are willing to do our best to strive for peaceful reunification. At the same time, we will not tolerate any activities aimed at secession,” Mao said. (here)

China exploiting Ukraine war to warn the US of its threats

China is fully exploiting the Russia-Ukraine crisis to warn the United States of its threats — a classic example of “killing the chicken to scare the monkey,” GeoPolitica reports said. From China blaming NATO’s expansion for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to blaming Ukraine’s desire to join NATO for endangering Russian security or even condemning anti-Russia sanctions imposed upon the outbreak of the war, Beijing’s intentions are only to threaten the US amid the ongoing power conflict, GeoPolitica reported. More of this becomes clear when one looks closer to Beijing launching a diplomatic push in impossible circles. A lot of China’s condemnation of the West comes as Beijing finds itself amid a huge strategic problem. (here)

Chinese civilian drones slowly becoming a new headache for Taiwanese military

The entry of Chinese drones into Taiwanese airspace has become quite a common phenomenon in the last few months. However, not all of them belong to the military as the Chinese social media is filled with videos of civilians flying their drones near the Kinmen Islands and it has led to a situation that experts are calling “deniable harassment”. While Taiwan has decided to take a stricter approach toward the incursions, China continues to call it “no big deal” reinforcing the claim on the island nation. Paul Huang, a research fellow at the Taiwanese Public Opinion Foundation – a govt think tank in China, told CNN that he believes most drones are controlled by civilians. The common design of drones may it difficult to understand whether they are being controlled by actual civilians or the military. As a result, they have to use a lot of resources to track and shoot down most of them. (here)

Pakistan in talks with Russia on importing oil on deferred payment: Report

Express Tribune (official) -Pakistan is in talks with Russia on the possibility of importing oil on deferred payment, according to a media report on Sun. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had 3 meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Uzbekistan’s Samarkand city, which concluded last week. “One was formal and the rest were informal,” said the official, who was part of the PM’s delegation. “What we have discussed during the recent interaction with the Russian side is the possibility of importing oil on deferred payment,” the official said, adding that Moscow has shown an inclination to consider the proposal. If the proposal is materialized, it will be a landmark development given that Pakistan imports oil from Gulf countries, and in past Saudi Arabia and UAE supplied Pakistan oil on deferred payment. (here)

Saudi Arabia confirms the one-year extension of $3 billion deposit, Pakistan central bank says

The State Bank of Pakistan on Sun said Saudi Arabia has confirmed the rollover of a USD 3 billion deposit for one more year. The deposit was set to mature on Dec 5, the SBP tweeted, adding that the amount was placed with the central bank as part of its foreign exchange reserves. “Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has confirmed a rollover of $3bn deposit maturing on 5 Dec22 for one year. The deposit is placed with SBP and is part of its forex reserves. This reflects the continuing strong and special relationship between KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) and Pakistan,” the bank tweeted. The agreement for the deposit was originally signed in Nov 2021 to improve the SBP’s foreign exchange reserves. Saudi Arabia had agreed to revive its financial support to Pakistan in Oct 2021, including about USD 3 billion in safe deposits and USD 1.2 billion worth of oil supplies on deferred payments. Pakistan has been facing a shortfall in foreign reserves and the rupee has been depreciating regularly. The move by Saudi Arabia may help to stabilize the national currency. (here)

Shehbaz Sharif to appoint new army chief, visit China in November: Pak Defence Minister

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will appoint a new Chief of Army Staff (COAS) in Nov and will also visit China, media reports said. The Minister made these remarks while addressing a press conference where he also chided the country’s former PM Imran Khan for attempting to make the appointment of army chief controversial and damaging the interests of Pakistan just for power, reported Daily Pakistan. Pakistan’s current COAS Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa is going to retire this year as his extension for 3 years ends in Nov. Minister also said that Sharif will visit China in the first week of Nov at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Additionally, the defense minister said Russian President Vladimir Putin has also invited Sharif to visit Moscow and that this visit will also take place. Khawaja Asif said that Russia has shown a willingness to export wheat and gas to Pakistan, Daily Pakistan reported. Unprecedented floods across Pakistan have resulted in a widespread outbreak of infectious diseases in the country, posing a severe threat to the health of the citizens. (here) Opposing the consultation of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) on the appointment of the next Army Chief, PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry said that a convicted person has no right to decide the next Chief of Army Staff. Ibrat, citing reliable sources reported that Nawaz Sharif has given green signal to make General Asim Munir as new army chief. All parties in PDM have agreed on making Munir as new chief. (sources), PM Sharif will issue a notification to this effect soon after returning from abroad.

Pakistan: PML-N’s Marriyum, Javed Latif booked under terrorism charges

Pakistan’s Information and Broadcasting Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and Federal minister and PML-N leader Javed Latif were booked by the provincial Punjab govt under the Anti-Terrorism Act for inciting people against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan on Mon, Geo News reported. The case was registered by PTI activist, Irshad-ur-Reham, at the Green Town police station under anti-terrorism provisions for inciting people against former prime minister Imran Khan by making false statements. Moreover, a case was also registered against Pakistan Television (PTV) Managing Director Sohail Khan and Controller Program Rashid Baig apart from Marriyum Aurangzeb and Javed Latif under the anti-terrorism act, according to Geo News. (here)

Pak: Residents hold protests against surging cases of terrorism in Swat

Amid surging cases of terrorism in the Swat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, hundreds of protestors gathered to condemn the recent terror incidents and demanded action to stop the resurgence of terrorists in the valley on Sun. Seeking peace in the terror-stricken valley, the agitators comprised a large number of youths, elders, lawyers, transporters, traders, doctors, and students who held placards inscribed with slogans against the terrorists and seeking peace, Dawn reported. (here)